Scarlets supporters were given a candid and insightful look inside the squad at a special Crys16 Supporters Evening held at Parc y Scarlets on Wednesday evening ahead of the big URC home game against Zebre this Friday (KO 7.45pm Parc y Scarlets).
Hosted by Crys16, the Scarlets supporters Trust www.crys16.cymru, the event brought supporters into close quarters with Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies and players Joe Hawkins, Fletcher Anderson, Josh Morse and Jake Ball, with an open and honest discussion about the present and future of the club.
Davies spoke openly about the challenges and opportunities ahead, while reinforcing the importance of supporter backing as the squad continues to build.
“We really value the support you give the team, especially at home. Nights like that Ulster game, which was my first game back with Scarlets, shows what we can do together – and we’re focused on delivering more performances like that for our fans.
“We’ve got a core of really good players and staff, but there’s a lot of work to do. We’re not fully high-performance off the field yet – that’s a big focus as we build for the future.”
“We’re here to win every game, but to do that we have to keep improving – on and off the field and keep working hard. There’s a lot going on to support the here and now in terms of our next six games this season, but also the future of this great club.”
Davies also highlighted the need to strengthen squad depth to support long-term development.
“We’re operating with a smaller senior squad than most, so we have to manage things carefully – but we’re working hard to bring in more quality at the senior level next season and build the right balance.”
Jake Ball reflected on his return to Parc y Scarlets and the evolution of the squad.
“It’s been brilliant coming back — this is where it all began for me. It’s a very different environment now, but there’s a really exciting young core here.”
“Young players are getting exposure at the top level, which is great for the future – but it takes time and patience.”
Returning Welsh international centre Joe Hawkins spoke about what joining the Scarlets has meant to him, both on and off the pitch.
“Coming back home to Wales with Scarlets has been class – being near family and friends makes a big difference, and that helps your performances on the field.
“The squad is a tight-knit group and really welcoming. There’s not a huge squad of players which has its challenges in training but it can also make it more personable and it does benefit the number of young players we have who are getting exposure now which will be positive for the future.
“The support we’ve had from Scarlets fans, especially away from home – has been incredible. We hope they will be bringing their voices on Friday night too.”
Joe Hawkins also highlighted the standards he focuses on upholding. “I have learnt over the years, nothing comes easy – you get out what you put in. I try to be as durable as I can, always available, always training, working hard and getting everything right off the pitch so that I can be at my best on the pitch as much as possible.”
Fletcher Anderson shared his positive experience settling into life in West Wales.
“I’ve really enjoyed it – the boys, the rugby group and all the staff have been awesome and made me feel at home straight away. It’s been really comfortable and easy settling here which makes my job easier on the field.
“The standard of rugby is great, it’s a great environment and I have been really impressed by the group of players we have here. Plus the experiences you get in the
URC and Champions Cup with awesome away days, playing top teams and players and travelling to places I haven’t ever been to, it has been brilliant.”
For young forward Josh Morse, who has made four senior appearances this season, the evening reflected a personal journey from pathway to first-team rugby.
“It’s been brilliant coming through the pathway – I’ve always wanted to play for the Scarlets, and now I’m learning from the senior players and getting insight on what it takes and means to be a pro player.”
The evening also highlighted the club’s focus on developing future talent, with Davies and the players pointing to a new generation coming through the system.
“We’ve got exciting young players coming through – and they need the right environment and to be amongst senior professional players to develop quickly.”
Closing the discussion, Davies emphasised the responsibility of representing the Scarlets jersey and the connection with supporters.
“We’re speaking about the responsibility in wearing the Scarlets jersey, it’s the legacy of this club and giving people hope through what we do on the field.
“Right here and now it’s a 100% focus on a huge game for us on Friday night. The boys are putting a lot of effort in and a lot of focus to make sure we are in the right frame of mind and in the right place to play to our best.”
To join Crys16 Supporters Trust please visit www.crys16.cymru